Api'exj)IX v. 



REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY FOR 

 THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1899. 



Sir: I prefix to the usual report an approximate statement of the present condition 

 of the Astrophysical Observatory : 



1. The character and vahie of property in the possession of tlie Observatory— 



(a) Buildings $6, 300 



{b) Apparatus 27, 700 



(c) Library and records 5, 200 



Total value of Observatory property 39, 200 



2. Accessions and improvements of property in the period covered by this report — 



(a) JBuildings. — A corner of the main Imilding has lieen enlarged and fitted up to 

 form a more commodious office and library, and a new laboratory building consist- 

 ing of one story and basement has been built. These additions were made from last 

 year's appropriation, in accordance with authorization of Congress, at the cost of 

 $2,300. The fence surrounding the OVjservatory has been enlarged and entirely 

 repainted, at a cost of $100; and repairs to plumbing made, at a cost of $25. Total 

 for buildings and repairs, $2,425. 



(b) Apparatus. — Expenditures for astronomical and physical ajiparatus, $800. The 

 cooling plant and the automatic temperature-regulating system have been extended, 

 at a cost of $500. Fire-extinguishing apparatus has been procured, at a cost of $100. 

 Miscellaneous expenditures for ajiparatus, $100. Total for apparatus, $1,500. 



(fi) Librarij. — Books, jjeriodicals, and illustrations have been procured, at an 

 expenditure of $200. Total accessions to value of property,' $4,000. 



3. Losses of property— 



These have been trifling, and consist in wear and tear and accidental breakage to 

 the extent of $50. 



The Work of the Observatory. 



The work which has occupied the staff of the Observatory during the past year 

 has been very varied. The observations made have been in new fields, though to 

 some extent subsidiary to those of previous years. Much attention has been given 

 to preparing results for publication, and it is gratifying to be able to state that Volume 

 I of the Annals of the Astrophj-.sical Observatory is at last in the hands of the printer. 



For convenience in describing the work in detail, it may be divided into three 

 categories, as follows : 



A. Observations. 



B. Preparation for publication. 



C. Miscellaneous matters. 



\. OBSERVATIO.VS. 



The observations themselves may be considered under two heads: 



1. On the dispersion of rock salt. 



2. On miscellaneous subjects. 



' About half of this amount was chargeable to last year's appropriation. 



